To 'teach' is defined as to instruct by precept, example, or experience. Every teachers goal is to increase knowledge and understanding in the classroom. One of my goals is to urge students to think independently and to form their own ideas and conclusions. Though independent thought is a key factor in the process of learning and understanding, group interaction is also important. Being able to express ideas, discuss observations and work together all play key roles in both mental and social development.
I also feel that a teacher should be a leader and a guide for students. A teacher must be a motivator to help students want to put in the effort and time into the class. If I can show students that I truly care and let them know that one of my main goals is for them to succeed, they will be likely to meet me halfway. I will guide students to ask questions and make conclusions on their own; not to always provide answers for them but to lead them to find the answers on their own. Students should also be using the information they are learning in class. If they can apply what they learn to things in daily life, the material will transfer from short-term to long-term memory. One thing I have noticed during my observations this semester was that if teachers help connect the content to current events, things they are learning about in a different subject, or things they have previously learned, students will most likely become curious and more apt to want to learn. Understandably, some students just have no desire to learn and are just trying to get through the day. I will try and assist these students as much as possible, given they want to put in some effort. If I can get them to ask questions and see the importance of learning, that is all I ask. Being a good motivator also includes being a good role model. I feel it's crucial to be positive and upbeat with the students whenever possible. This lets students know that you are approachable and available whenever they need assistance during or after class. My thought not just in the classroom but in life as well is that if you show respect and care towards others, they will show you the same respect and care. Keeping the classroom a respectful environment will help the class flow smoothly and be enjoyable.
Both the student and the teacher should set goals, both short and long-term, for the year. This will help keep everyone focused and on task. If I know student's goals, it will allow me to help them reach and complete them successfully. Some of my goals as a teacher would include: making myself available before and after school when students need help, creating a positive classroom environment that is based on respect and active participation and, to teach in fun, new and developmentally appropriate ways. While I was developing my unit plan this semester, I realized how useful a variety of teaching styles can be. Ninety minute classes can either be dreadful or enjoyable for students as well as teachers. What I found was that the long class periods allow me to plan two or three different activities for each class. This could include computer research, laboratory experiments, note taking, class discussions as well as peer to peer discussions. This helps the students stay involved, focused, and branches out to a variety of learning styles too.
As a teacher, I will be open to new ideas such as teaching styles and techniques, classroom management tips and, teaching material. Student input will also be taken seriously because they are my audience and they know what works for them individually. I will try to stay consistent as far as discipline and grading goes, so students know what's expected of them at all times. By writing the daily agenda on the board, having an opening questions for students to answer at the start of every class, and having a question for the day where students will answer at the end of the class, this will keep students organized and they will know what's expected of them the moment they enter the classroom.
I understand that most of these things would be impossible to implement all at once. The key is to try and work them one by one into the daily routine. Above all, I feel that learning should be respectful, enjoyable, and productive!
I also feel that a teacher should be a leader and a guide for students. A teacher must be a motivator to help students want to put in the effort and time into the class. If I can show students that I truly care and let them know that one of my main goals is for them to succeed, they will be likely to meet me halfway. I will guide students to ask questions and make conclusions on their own; not to always provide answers for them but to lead them to find the answers on their own. Students should also be using the information they are learning in class. If they can apply what they learn to things in daily life, the material will transfer from short-term to long-term memory. One thing I have noticed during my observations this semester was that if teachers help connect the content to current events, things they are learning about in a different subject, or things they have previously learned, students will most likely become curious and more apt to want to learn. Understandably, some students just have no desire to learn and are just trying to get through the day. I will try and assist these students as much as possible, given they want to put in some effort. If I can get them to ask questions and see the importance of learning, that is all I ask. Being a good motivator also includes being a good role model. I feel it's crucial to be positive and upbeat with the students whenever possible. This lets students know that you are approachable and available whenever they need assistance during or after class. My thought not just in the classroom but in life as well is that if you show respect and care towards others, they will show you the same respect and care. Keeping the classroom a respectful environment will help the class flow smoothly and be enjoyable.
Both the student and the teacher should set goals, both short and long-term, for the year. This will help keep everyone focused and on task. If I know student's goals, it will allow me to help them reach and complete them successfully. Some of my goals as a teacher would include: making myself available before and after school when students need help, creating a positive classroom environment that is based on respect and active participation and, to teach in fun, new and developmentally appropriate ways. While I was developing my unit plan this semester, I realized how useful a variety of teaching styles can be. Ninety minute classes can either be dreadful or enjoyable for students as well as teachers. What I found was that the long class periods allow me to plan two or three different activities for each class. This could include computer research, laboratory experiments, note taking, class discussions as well as peer to peer discussions. This helps the students stay involved, focused, and branches out to a variety of learning styles too.
As a teacher, I will be open to new ideas such as teaching styles and techniques, classroom management tips and, teaching material. Student input will also be taken seriously because they are my audience and they know what works for them individually. I will try to stay consistent as far as discipline and grading goes, so students know what's expected of them at all times. By writing the daily agenda on the board, having an opening questions for students to answer at the start of every class, and having a question for the day where students will answer at the end of the class, this will keep students organized and they will know what's expected of them the moment they enter the classroom.
I understand that most of these things would be impossible to implement all at once. The key is to try and work them one by one into the daily routine. Above all, I feel that learning should be respectful, enjoyable, and productive!